It’s been a crazy time for education. Here’s one thing we can make easy for you — here are a few of the best local schools to pick from.
For the complete listing of top private schools, check out our 2021 Private School Guide.
St. John’s Northwestern Academies
Accountability. Integrity. Respect
Located just two hours from Chicago, in charming Delafield, Wisconsin, rests St. John’s Northwestern Academies, a coed premier day and boarding school for grades 7-12. Our award-winning academies have a proven record of accomplishments and a reputation of high standards. We speak proudly of our successful lifelong learners who leave our academies and enter a rapidly changing world with strong academic skills and ethical leadership qualities.
Our four foundational pillars of academics, athletics and wellness, leadership growth, and spiritual and character development bring life to our well-rounded approach in maximizing each child’s potential. Personal attention from a dedicated faculty and staff, to our young people and their families, begins day one and continues beyond graduation. Learn why leadership lives here by visiting www.sjnacademies.org
1101 Genesee Street 800.752.2338
Delafield, WI sjnacademies.org
JCC Chicago Early Childhood
Explore The J Advantage
Families love our discovery-based learning, outdoor curriculum, and classroom communities we build every day. Our classroom communities foster a love of learning guided by nurturing educators and a full-time social services team creating safe spaces for kids to explore and grow. Our unique indoor and outdoor classrooms stimulate your child’s imagination and curiosity, increasing concentration and promoting self-confidence. Children develop quickly into capable learners and kind people when we lead by example. We are a welcoming and diverse community with full and half day programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Up to $2,000 in JUF Right Start savings are available for families new to Jewish preschool; scholarship is available. Locations in E. Lakeview, Evanston, W. Rogers Park, Northbrook, Glencoe, and Lake Zurich.
jccchicagoearlychildhood.org 224.406.9200
Christian Heritage Academy
Equipping Students For Life
Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) is a private, PK-12 Christian school located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, offering a Christ centered, academically excellent, life transforming education. Your child will be noticed, known, and nurtured at CHA. Our “Living Curriculum” teachers see each student as a whole person, with intuitive care shown for each one’s intricate design. We cultivate in our students a sense of wonder in His Word, significant academic growth, and authentic servant leadership—a firm foundation for abundant life.
Come see why we’re ranked Illinois’ #1 Best Christian High School, #9 Best College Prep Private High School, and 10 Best Private K-12 School (Niche.com). You’ll also find that we are one of the most affordable private schools on the North Shore!
315 Waukegan Road 847.446.5252
Northfield, IL christianheritage.org
Brightmont Academy
Now Enrolling!
For over 20 years, Brightmont Academy has helped thousands of young people find alternative paths to becoming successful students. We are an accredited private school delivering one-to-one instruction at our campuses in Northfield, IL and Barrington, IL and 15 more campuses across the U.S. We offer in-person, individualized instruction for 6th to 12th grade courses and tutoring and skill building for 1st to 12th grade subjects. To learn more about how we can help your child be more confident academically, please visit us at brightmontacademy.com. If you would like to schedule a tour of either our Northfield location at 1799 Willow Road or Barrington location at 400 E. Main Street you can reach us at (888) 521-0887. We are following all CDC recommended COVID-19 precautions at all campuses.
1799 Willow Road, Northfield, IL 888.521.0887
400 E. Main Street, Barrington, IL brightmontacademy.com
Sacred Heart Schools
A Remarkable Education Comes From The Heart
Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, PK-8 school that warmly welcomes students of all faiths into a joyful community. Senior Kindergarten-8th grade is located on our historic 6250 N. Sheridan Road campus overlooking Lake Michigan. Our Preschool Campus is located at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church — just off Lake Shore Drive at the corner of Sheridan Road and Hollywood Avenue. Our approach to education combines a dynamic and challenging curriculum within a nurturing environment. With the support and dedication of exceptional teachers and staff, our students are inspired to achieve their best and be their best selves.
Founded in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools is Chicago’s oldest independent school. Sacred Heart is also part of an international network, with 25 schools in the United States and Canada and more than 150 globally. Guided and united by five timeless principles — faith, intellect, service, community, and personal growth — students graduate with a strong academic foundation, as well as confidence and values. Approximately 95% of our 8th grade students are accepted to their first-choice high school.
Parents have been choosing Sacred Heart Education for 145 years! To discover why and learn more about our school, our mission, and our academic programs, please join us for a Virtual Information Session. Zoom into an hour-long program with our Head of Schools, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and current parents. To register for a Virtual Information Session, please contact the Admissions Office at 773.681.8418 or admissions@shschicago.org.
6250 N. Sheridan Road 773.681.8418
Chicago, IL shschicago.org
North Shore Country Day
What Matters Most
In 1919, North Shore Country Day was the visionary answer to a fundamental question: What matters most when educating a child? Since then, NSCD has continually refined its answer to propel the school’s educational model forward with purpose and passion, building a transformative JK-12 education.
At NSCD, school is engaging, rigorous and fun. Teachers know each student and set the bar high to build confident, independent thinkers. Students balance passions with responsibilities, and learning becomes a way of life. The true outcome of an NSCD education is seen in graduates who enter the world fully prepared for whatever comes next. They are exceptionally equipped with the skills and the mindsets to make an impact on their world after years spent exploring, collaborating and embracing the school’s motto, “Live and Serve.”
310 Green Bay Road 847.441.3313
Winnetka, IL nscds.org
Lake Forest Country Day School
Where Greatness Takes Root
Located on more than thirty acres of property, LFCDS offers programming for students aged two through grade 8 and provides a rich and diverse educational experience grounded in rigorous academics, arts, athletics, and social emotional learning. Drawing from 37 local communities, students across all grade levels have access to engaging learning spaces including expansive Outdoor Classrooms, a 2800-square-foot Innovation Center, and a Performing Arts Center.
Relationships live at the core of the LFCDS experience. With an enrollment of 400 students, the school is able to keep class sizes small and student-teacher ratios (7:1) low across all three divisions. These are the perfect conditions for faculty to develop formative relationships with their students and holistically support their growth both as learners and as people. LFCDS is a school where students are known, loved, and challenged. LFCDS is where greatness takes root.
145 S. Green Bay Road 847.615.6151
Lake Forest, IL lfcds.org
The Cove School
Changing Lives, Building Futures
The Cove School provides award-winning individualized instruction and highly specialized services for children with complex learning disabilities. For over 70 years, Cove has served as a vital stepping-stone in the Chicagoland area, helping students develop the skills and self-confidence required to successfully transition to community schools or post-secondary education. Cove provides a comprehensive, individualized approach to learning and integrated specialized services that contribute greatly to students’ success.
Cove parents, teachers, and specialists work hand-in-hand to ensure the best possible educational plans for Cove students. When students arrive at Cove, they immediately feel the difference that comes from a nurturing, supportive environment. They feel safe, yet challenged, to reach their fullest potential, and they often make new friends, establishing the social relationships that are so important in life. Quite simply, Cove is a school that gets learning disabilities. More often than not, new families are most surprised by the incredible impact of Cove’s community.
Deeply committed to its mission and vision, Cove was recently commended for its visionary leadership and unwavering focus on students. If you know a child who could benefit from an enhanced learning environment, we invite you to explore our website and visit our school for an in-depth personal tour. If you know a child who could benefit from an enhanced learning environment, we invite you to explore Cove’s website and visit the school for an in depth personal tour. Cove looks forward to sharing its vision for a world where every child finds the tools they need to adapt, learn, and grow.
350 Lee Road 847.562.2100
Northbrook, IL coveschool.org
Rose Hall Montessori School
Nurturing Curious Minds and Caring Spirits
Rose Hall Montessori School was founded 39 years ago with the mission to educate the whole child. Following the educational philosophy of Dr. Montessori, we provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that allows children to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually; to reach their highest potential and gain a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Rose Hall’s priority is to help each child become the person they are meant to be and to develop a strong sense of self and confidence. We work hard to provide a supportive, caring, and peaceful environment in which young children feel safe to explore, grow, learn, and become independent. Rose Hall recognizes the importance of early childhood skills such as cooperation, resilience, and empathy, as well as opportunities for academic excellence. Our teachers are dedicated to this process through meeting each child exactly where they are while nurturing the whole child.
1140 Wilmette Avenue 847.256.2002
Wilmette, IL rosehallmontessori.org
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School
Together We Thrive
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School creates a culture of academic excellence that inspires and prepares our students to think critically, achieve their full potential, and live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world.
RZJHS has earned a national reputation for our college preparatory program with outstanding faculty, integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum, vibrant community, and exciting student life. Students participate in our strong athletic and fine arts programs, and numerous extracurricular and leadership opportunities. Our supportive community comes together to allow students to find and develop their individual voices. We are guided by the values of unity, passion, integrity, and generosity. Thinking together. Working together. Playing together. Praying together. Celebrating together. Creating together. Leading together. Together we thrive.
1095 Lake Cook Road 847.470.6700
Deerfield, IL admissions@rzjhs.org, RZJHS.org
